Free Shred Event to Help Fight Identity Theft Destroys Record Amount

Over 32 tons of paper shredded in 7th Bi-Annual Shred Event

The Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin’s spring ShredFest events in Milwaukee, Madison and Appleton were very successful, with record totals.

Events were held on May 3 (Madison), May 10 (Milwaukee), and May 17 (Appleton).

We had a combined total of more than 1,600 cars participate, and shredded more than 32 tons of paper.

ShredFest is a national event with several dozen BBBs participating in shredding events across the country. The Better Business Bureau Serving Wisconsin has been holding free shredding events twice annually since 2007.

ProShred Security and Strongbox Document Destruction, LLC (Milwaukee), Pelliteri’s Data Destruction (Madison), and Fox Cities Record Services (Appleton) conducted the colossal shredding using multiple trucks at each location.

Partnering with Layton State Bank (Milwaukee), SVA Certified Public Accountants (Madison), and Thrivent Financial (Outagamie County Chapter), attendees enjoyed the convenience of staying in their vehicles as volunteers removed boxes and bags of documents from their cars and placed them into shredding bins. Event participants were able to witness the document destruction and departed with free goody-bags containing identity theft prevention tips.

“We want to wholeheartedly thank our shredding and banking partners, as well as media who helped us spread the word about our free shredding event”, said Ran Hoth BBB CEO/President. “With their help, we were able to help consumers and businesses lessen the chance of identity theft.”

According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft is the nation’s number one complaint. One of the most common methods used by thieves to steal personal information is dumpster diving, which entails rummaging through trash looking for old bills and other documents containing personal information.

BBB’s next ShredFest event will be held in fall. For the date, time, and locations of our next event and for more information on preventing identity theft visit our website.